Comments on: Fredi Gonzalez won’t say why he pitched to Hunter Pencehttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/
Baseball. Baseball. And then a bit more baseball.Sun, 02 Aug 2015 20:32:15 +0000hourly1http://wordpress.com/By: Old Gatorhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-201263
Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:53:25 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-201263I’m a beeg fan of the kaiju. Wouldn’t have had a childhood without ’em. On my wall hangs a plaque with the mistranslation of the discussion from the semi-original Godzilla (ie, the American version with Raymond Burr spliced in) between Ogata and Serizawa about the pros and cons of revealing the existence of the oxygen destroyer (which to my way of thinking makes Serizawa the discoverer of antioxidants):

“You have your fear, which might become reality, and you have Godzilla, which is reality.”

That’s all the philosophy I’ve ever needed.

]]>By: Gamera the Bravehttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-201156
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:04:11 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-201156I see – you have – seen – Gamera v. Gyaos, Sandy Frank version.
Worst.
Lip-synching.
Ever.
At least it was saved somewhat by being skewered on Mystery Science Theater 3000.
]]>By: Old Gatorhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-201056
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:27:12 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-201056Fair enough. Now all you need is better voice recognition software to improve your supporting cast’s lip-synching.
]]>By: NickThttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-201045
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:19:50 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-201045There is no doubt Pence is better than Martinez (whose minor league totals aren’t special either), and I’d rather face Martinez with nobody on than Pence with nobody on, but I’m not sure if I’d rather face Martinez with the bases loaded than Pence with runners on first and third. If Martinez lucked into a hit, then the Phillies would have been up by two, which is significantly worse for the Braves than the Phillies being up by one.

Scroll down to the situation where it’s the top of the 9th, the score is “0” (i.e., the score is tied), and there are two outs. The home team has a 0.491 probability of winning when there are runners on first and third, and the home team has a 0.458 probability of winning with the bases loaded.

Obviously this doesn’t take into account Pence vs. Martinez, so that doesn’t tell the whole story, but historically you have a significantly better chance of winning if you don’t load the bases. As I said in my first comment, I’d like to see the numbers when considering the match-up. I’m guessing it winds up being a wash.

I think the more plausible question would be- why were they holding Utley on first, creating that big hole in the first place? Freeman would have clearly been able to field that ball in any regular spot…

]]>By: plmathfotohttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-201028
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:08:01 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-201028Maybe he didn’t want Pence to walk 4 times in the same game?
]]>By: nyyankeedavehttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-201017
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:58:13 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-201017And if the Titantic wasn’t going so fast….
]]>By: Gamera the Bravehttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-201007
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:47:40 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-201007Oh, and I am sticking with the ramjets, thank you very much – but have already upgraded to Bussard Ramjets, which work better when traveling to anti-Earths to fight Gyaos.
]]>By: drmonkeyarmyhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-201005
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:45:15 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-201005Michael Martinez has a OBP of .278 left handed. Hunter Pence has a BA of .313 against RH. Furthermore, who would you rather face with the season on the line…Pence or Martinez?
]]>By: Gamera the Bravehttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-201003
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:44:14 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-201003I hadn’t thought of the Ouija angle – frankly just getting past the task of moving the 1″ tiles around with 6-foot claws takes all my energy.
]]>By: foreverchipper10http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200992
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:26:32 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200992You leave me no choice but to now out myself as not only a Braves fan…..but an Eagles fan as well. Woe is my sports life. (See also Philadelphia Flyers and Sacramento Kings)
]]>By: sabathiawouldbegoodattheeighthtoohttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200981
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:17:52 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200981Fredi was being criticized for using his third- and fourth- best relievers in high leverage situations in the quotes above. We could split hairs on the rankings, but it seems fairly obvious that he would catch hell for any bullpen decision that didn’t work out, and for his general practice if it DID work out.
]]>By: NickThttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200977
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:15:44 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200977An intentional walk to load the bases when you have two outs and runners on first and third is likely not sound strategy, even with Martinez coming up. I’d like to see somebody from BP or The Book run the numbers on that one.

Linebrink even managed to break Pence’s bat, so I think this one just needs to be chalked up to bad luck for the Braves.

]]>By: delawarephilliesfanhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200927
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:26:31 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200927Very, very valid point.
]]>By: drmonkeyarmyhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200901
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:57:57 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200901True. I just think the Braves really blew it. They had 4 innings of Schwimmer, DeFratus, and Herndon and could not score a single run. Heyward turned an Ibanez single into a double by losing it in the lights which allowed the booted Ruiz grounder to score a run. Then pitching to Pence.
]]>By: Francisco (FC)http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200899
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:57:03 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200899I dispute that. Replays clearly showed he bounced off the bag. He arrived safely but then bopped off of it and Polanco was basically hugging him the whole time with his glove. He was out cause he couldn’t control his momentum.
]]>By: Billhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200896
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:55:25 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200896False dilemma, friend. The choice was not merely “Kimbrel or Proctor” all season long.
]]>By: Utley's Hairhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200891
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:51:37 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200891Understood, but based on the events as they unfolded, the Braves would’ve been up by another run, and maybe we’re talking about extra wear and tear on the Cards and Braves, as well as a potential snakes infestation in an area hotel.
]]>By: Old Gatorhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200879
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:43:11 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200879I only play Ouija Scrabble, and you’re not dead enough to play yet anyway. Of course, we have yet to determine if kaiju eiga is permissible in the English language version, so that would put you at a distinct disadvantage even if you were dead.

And while we’re at it, how about replacing those two old ramjets up your cloaca with dilithium crystals? Ramjets are so-o-o-o-o-o-o 1960s.

]]>By: sabathiawouldbegoodattheeighthtoohttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200864
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:35:38 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200864So, up 2 runs in the 9th you wanted to see more Scott Proctor? I’m not saying Fredi was right or wrong for using the guys the way he did. It does seem though that there are lots of people ready to say he was wrong no matter how he used them.
]]>By: Utley's Hairhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200860
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:31:14 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200860He’s been doing that a lot recently, hasn’t he? Maybe chalk that up to sophomore slump?
]]>By: hank10http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200858
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:28:03 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200858Seems that Fredi is a graduate of the ‘How not to answer legit questions – Post Game’ seminar presented by Andy Reid. Times yours.
]]>By: paperlionshttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200854
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:27:24 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200854Hmmmm….that description of perception and reality reminds me of one other long-time over-manager
]]>By: drmonkeyarmyhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200853
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:25:16 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200853Yeah, but then maybe Hamels pitches to Uggla differently. Poor decisions and poor defense cost the Braves the game. Besides that was a close play. Shouldn’t steal 3rd with nobody out unless you can make it standing….or at least clearly make it.
]]>By: El Bravohttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200851
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:24:50 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200851you damn right, UH. heyward can suck it.
]]>By: oikosjeremyhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200850
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:24:09 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200850Ok, but you also have to look at all the times when Gonzalez used Kimbrel and Venters in low-leverage situations (say, up 2 or 3 runs in the 9th).

It actually is possible for you to simultaneously overuse a guy, and not use him in situations in which you should’ve used him.

]]>By: drmonkeyarmyhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200848
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:22:31 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200848Disagree. If you get through that part of the order, chances are you get through the bottom half as well. That leaves the Braves a couple innings to touch up Herndon. I actually thought the decision to pitch to Pence cost them the game. I don’t think there is a good reason as to why he pitched to him. Maybe he simply forgot that Howard was out of the game. That seems incredibly unlikely but is as plausible as any other explanation that I can think of.
]]>By: Utley's Hairhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200844
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:20:47 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200844In all honesty, Bourn should’ve scored on that homer—he was safe at third. Yet another bad call by an umpire. (I hope TBI doesn’t read this…:( )
]]>By: philly56http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200838
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:14:58 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200838Really, Craig? Atlanta hadn’t done much of anything since Uggla’s HR early in the ballgame and with those dejected and miserable looking faces in the Braves dugout, it was only a matter of time before the Phillies took the lead and won the game.
]]>By: CJhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/29/fredi-gonzalez-wont-say-why-he-pitched-to-hunter-pence/comment-page-1/#comment-200835
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:12:15 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=89030#comment-200835“Fredi Gonzalez won’t say why he pitched to Hunter Pence”, mostly because he doesn’t know the answer either.